Hawthorne, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Chapter 17.22C implements the Hawthorne Airport Master Plan and Noise Compatibility Program (NCP), approved by the FAA under Part 150 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (§ 17.22C.010). The AOZ is mapped into Area #1, following the 2012 65 CNEL contour, and Area #2, following the 2012 60 CNEL contour (§ 17.22C.020). "Noise-sensitive use" covers habitable living, eating, cooking or sleeping space in single- or multifamily homes, hotels and motels, hospitals and nursing homes, places of worship, meeting halls and mortuaries, and schools, libraries and museums.

Inside Area #1, any new structure, added square footage, or replacement of existing habitable area serving a noise-sensitive use must be sound-insulated to 45 dB CNEL or less with doors and windows closed, consistent with Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (§ 17.22C.050(A)(1)). New noise-sensitive land uses cannot be introduced in Area #1 at all, though replacing, reconstructing, improving or expanding an existing noise-sensitive use is still allowed (§ 17.22C.050(A)(3)). Sellers in both Area #1 and Area #2 must disclose the airport's presence and its noise, vibration or odor impacts when a sales contract is signed, per California Civil Code §§ 1353(a)(1) and 1103.4 (§ 17.22C.050(A)(2), (B)(1)).

Any discretionary or building permit application on AOZ land must include a supplemental application form verifying compliance, though the planning director may waive it for minor work like a reroof or wall sign, and the director of planning and community development can refer a project to the airport zoning commission if concerns surface (§ 17.22C.060).